Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Regulated operations of Diesel Generator  sets in NCR
As a one-time exception Commission has now permitted DG Sets for all capacity ranges, to be run only for emergency services in the NCR, even under periods of restrictions under the GRAP, only up to 31.12.2023
DG sets deployed for emergency services are also required to install / adopt appropriate means for emission control in the intervening period and w.e.f. 01.01.2024, even such DG sets shall be permitted to operate in the NCR, strictly subject to adherence to the stipulated schedule / measures for emission control
The Commission, from time to time, observed and has sensitized all stakeholders that amongst other contributors, large-scale use of Diesel Generating sets is a major contributing factor for deterioration of air quality in the region.
To this end, the Commission, since February, 2022 and from time to time, thereafter, has issued Directions, Orders, Advisory etc. for control of emissions from such DG sets and their regulated operations.
Arising out of a review in the matter related to progress made in the field level implementation, the Commission issued a comprehensively revised Direction No. 73 dated 02.06.2023 for regulated operations of DG sets across all sectors in the NCR including Industrial, Commercial, Residential and Office establishments etc., w.e.f. 01.10.2023, with a view to derive the benefit of abatement of air pollution, owing to this vital sector, in the ensuing winter.
While some preparatory actions were initiated / reported by various stakeholders towards emission control from DG sets through retro-fitted ECDs and / or dual fuel system, following concerns were highlighted to CAQM:
- Issues related to availability of certified RECDs and agencies for all capacity ranges and vintages of DG sets.
- Issues related to availability / delays in PNG infrastructure and supply, purely for DG sets.
- Techno-commercial issues, logistics and time involved for fitment of RECDs / conversion to dual fuel mode.
- Issues related to availability of DG sets to the latest standards as in MoEFCC notification No. GSR 804 dated 03.11.2022 .
- Issues related to use of DG sets for emergency services.
The Commission, accordingly, pursuant to a comprehensive review and in supersession of all extant directions / orders / guidelines on the regulations for DG sets, has issued a revised Schedule for regulated operations of DG sets  across all sectors in the NCR including Industrial, Commercial, Residential and Office establishments etc. in terms of Direction No. 76 dated 29.09.2023, as under:
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S. No.
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Capacity Range of DG sets
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System to be adopted for control of emissions
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Regulations for use
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-
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Power generating sets of all capacities running on LPG/ Natural Gas/ Bio-gas/Propane/Butane
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None
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No restrictions

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Power generating sets of all capacities up to 800 kW to standards as per MoEFCC notification No. GSR 804 dated 03.11.2022
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None
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No restrictions.

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800 kW and above
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Any emission control mechanism, strictly subject to compliance of the prescribed emission standards for this category.
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No restrictions

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125 kW to less than 800 kW
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Dual fuel mode
or
Retro-fitted ECDs through certified vendors / agencies
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No restrictions

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19 kW to less than 125 kW
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Dual fuel mode
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No restrictions

DG Sets not working in a dual fuel mode, only owing to non-availability of gas infrastructure and supply, shall be permitted only for emergency services.
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Portable DG sets 
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Presently no specific means of emission control are available in this category / capacity range of DG sets.
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No restrictions during the periods, other than restrictions under GRAP.
Not to be generally permitted during periods of restriction under GRAP. These shall, however, be permitted even during periods under GRAP only for emergency services.
The regulated schedule for operation of DG sets issued vide Direction No. 73 dated 02.06.2023 was to take effect from 01.10.2023. The revised schedule as above further eases out the means of implementation and addresses practical difficulties and techno-commercial concerns of various stakeholders and thus the revised schedule for regulation of DG sets would be in force in the entire NCR w.e.f. 01.10.2023.
Notwithstanding the revised schedule as above, in the interest of not disrupting emergency services and permitting sufficient time for adopting the stipulated emission control mechanism, the Commission, as a one-time exception, has permitted DG Sets for all capacity ranges to be run only for emergency services in the NCR, as listed below, even under periods of restrictions under the GRAP, only up to 31.12.2023:
- Elevators / Escalators / Travelators etc. in various installations;
Subject to the DG set operation being purely limited to operation of elevators / escalators / travelators etc. and not for any other activities of commercial entities / residential societies.
- Medical Services  including units involved in manufacturing of life saving medical equipment/devices, drugs and medicines.
- Railway Services / Railway Stations.
- Metro Rail & MRTS Services, including trains and stations.
- Airports and Inter-State Bus Terminals .
- Sewage Treatment Plants.
- Water pumping Stations.
- Projects of national security, defence & of national importance.
- Telecommunications and IT/ data services.
Appropriate emission control mechanisms are also required to be put in place, on or before 31.12.2023, in respect of DG sets being used in above listed emergency services, to avoid action under the relevant provisions of laws / rules / regulations / directions etc., thereafter.